1
as in energetic
having much high-spirited energy and movement
the mettlesome opening dance number got the audience all jazzed up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling
a mettlesome debate on the teaching of evolution in the schools
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of mettlesome
He may have been provoked into battle by the ruler of Cebu, who was using Magellan’s troops to rid himself of a mettlesome chieftain known to raid the trade ships that navigated the waters in and around the islands.
—
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome
Adjective
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Actually, these are anything but those same White Sox that wallowed in all that misery the last three years — but rather a team of young, energetic grinders, the product of a near-total roster overhaul by general manager Chris Getz.—
Bill Madden,
New York Daily News,
13 June 2026
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However, the problem is that almost all nuclear energy transitions are far too energetic to be controlled with lasers.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
13 June 2026
Adjective
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The ingredients were fresh and the balance of tangy citrus notes and fiery spices made for an unforgettable meal.—
Deeya Sonalkar,
TheWeek,
18 June 2026
-
Mamdani spoke for roughly eight minutes in a fiery speech about the history of the team, the grind to the championship, the heartbreaking seasons and the perseverance necessary to finally bring a title to New York after 53 years.—
Ryan Morik OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
Adjective
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In recent years, Hollywood decided adult comedies were not good bets in movie theaters, and instead focused heavily on superheroes and animated films.—
Rodney Ho,
AJC.com,
22 May 2026
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Toons boom across the Croisette this year, with colorful features opening Critics’ Week, closing Directors’ Fortnight, and appearing across nearly every section — further cementing Cannes’ status as a premier launchpad for animated cinema.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
18 May 2026
Adjective
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After a spirited start to the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada now hope their virtual reality training will help lead to their first ever World Cup win against Qatar.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
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Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly will likely continue to grab most of the limelight, but they are well supported by a group of spirited players who will be tough to beat.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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The ranch saloon sits across from the open yard—and around the corner and up a hill of long yellow grass is the outdoor rodeo arena, home to lively summer rodeos every week in the summer season.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
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Baltimore is best known for its maritime history and lively harbor, with plenty to see and do, from the National Aquarium to the cobblestone streets and waterfront views of Fell's Point.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
15 June 2026
Adjective
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Nothing freshens up a spunky short haircut like fringe.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
10 June 2026
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From the annals of cooking past, sauce jouvert, spunky with marjoram, red wine vinegar, both walnuts and hazelnuts, and breadcrumbs, is raised from the annals of recipe history to be draped over pretty much any kind of vegetable.—
Scott Hocker,
TheWeek,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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To imagine the natural world not as a passive resource but as an animate collaborator would be to reorder more than aesthetic categories, demanding another relation to our environment.—
Tara Anne Dalbow,
ARTnews.com,
29 May 2026
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Woe unto those who fail to entertain, animate or amuse.—
Mark Barabak,
Mercury News,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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True to its name, the pub in Overland Park housed more than 100 passionate and prideful Dutch supporters who came together to watch the Netherlands face Japan in what some are calling the game of the World Cup so far.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
15 June 2026
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But the real tragedy is that the world lost a true artist, a passionate and gifted story teller, and a radiant light that shined upon so many of us.—
Austin Mullen,
NBC news,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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